An ongoing systematic analysis of the global evidence on the overall impact and effectiveness of a salutogenic approach to health promotion proves that people and systems that develop the ability to implement a salutogenic approch strenghening the Sense of Coherence, will create systems where people not only live longer but perceive they are in good health, enjoy a better quality of life and mental wellbeing. In addition, they can withstand stress better than the average and are inclined to more constructive health behaviours. Even if they become acutely ill or develop a chronic disease such as an NCD they will manage better than the average. Overall the approach responds positively as a system to the acation areas and policies of the Ottawa Charter.

Reference: The Hitchhikers Guide to Salutogenesis, Folkhälsan Research Report 2, 2010 The IUHPE Global Working Group on Salutogenesis formed a core group of 10 research centers in December 2010. Here the Nordic Representatives covering 4 Nordic Countries will speak to the issue healthy public policy implications, mental health and quality of life, health behaviours, chronic disease (NCDs), healthy learning and empowerment, community action. Further describing how the contemporary evidence is collected, documented and analyzed.

Authors: Prof. Maurice Mittelmark, HEMIL Senter, NO, Prof. Geir A. Espnes, NTNU, NO, Prof. Bjarne Bruune Jensen, STENO Center, DK, Prof. Mima Cattan, Folkhälsan, FI, Dr Monica Eriksson, University West, Sweden, Prof. Bengt Lindström, Folkhälsan, FI.